On the Journey
I
The Deepest Part of the River
Isaiah 66:1 tells of God giving
“peace like a river.” I like that. I can easily
picture splashing at the shallow edge of
a stream, easing in for a swim, and wading through the rocks around the bend.
But the peaceful, quiet part of the river
is at its deepest, when the strong undercurrent guides vast volumes of rushing
river, yet that power is barely discernible
on the placid surface.
God’s eternal will, I believe, is the current that rules the mighty river of our
lives. When it’s too deep and fast for you
to swim, you must float, trusting the water
to carry you along. That’s when you have
no choice but to trust God.
My husband, Elbert, lived for 70 years.
That, after all, is a good long life, and
few people have even that. But he was
unrecognizable at the end. I watched
death steal upon him with a tighter grasp
each passing day. He fell into unconsciousness on April 1, but his body didn’t
give up for five more days. When he no
longer responded to our voices or woke
to complain of pain, I knew he was gone.
His nurse, Jean, told me to keep talking
to him. She said that he could hear me
even if he didn’t respond. And so I did.
I kept talking. I read Bible verses to him.
But I knew he was gone and could no
longer hear earthly voices.
I opened his eyes and looked into
them. It was a wrong thing to do, a violation of something beyond my understanding. Because when I did that, I stared
into his death. That was how I knew he
was gone, how I knew nothing on this
earth could draw his interest evermore.
I waited till the death I saw in his eyes
prevailed against his stubborn beating
heart and labored breaths. His emaciated
40 THE BANNER | October 2016 | thebanner.org
I remember a handsome boy from a small town in Nevada who swept a
shallow city girl off her feet.
body struggled desperately to live. There
was the ghastly yellowing of the skin as
the organs failed, and the Cheyne-Stokes
breathing pattern that Jean explained was
part of the process and meant the end
was closer.
And it was. In that little room, where
hours on end I had stared out the window
at the ethereal beauty of the Sedona desert, my husband’s breathing finally
stopped. It was sunset, early evening.
People rarely die there, I am told, during
the day. It almost always happens at night.
Jean spoke softly to me about this
being “for the best.” She thought I was
grieving, but I was not. The grieving was
over. The weeping, wailing kind of grief
for the loss of my husband of 50 years to
Parkinson’s disease had occurred years
before. All that grief had wrung out every
tear in my heart long before that evening
on April 6.
I called our sons. They too had passed
beyond mourning to relief at his end.
Romans 8:28 tells us that “in all things
God works for the good of those who
love him, who have been called according
to his purpose.” I believe that. I find,
however, that it is much easier to believe
that verse when things are going well. Not
that I ever doubted my favorite verse. I
just couldn’t reconcile the words on the
page with my heart.
We got married at the Little Church
of the West in Las Vegas, Nevada, on
November 28, 1964. He had just turned
20. I was 18. The sun was still shining
when we paraded from the chapel followed by teasing, joyful family members.
I remember a handsome boy from a
small town in Nevada who swept a shallow city girl off her feet. I remember
taking our precious baby boy and leaving
the vast empty desert of Nevada for
Seattle for a better job. We bore the incessant gloom of Seattle’s rainy months as
a tiny family unit of three, then four,
moving on to Eastern Oregon where our
third son was born.
We struggled, we fought, we grew up.
We built up our family and our lives.
Along the way, we ran into such hard
times that we were forced to abandon the
loose, easy ways of Las Vegas to cling to
something that was real. That was about
the time we found out that God was not
just another name for luck. The lights
came on.
When Elbert was 59, he was diagnosed
with Parkinson’s. He changed almost
immediately . . . maybe it was the neurological effects of the disease itself, as the
doctors said, or perhaps the medications.
Something unseen so profoundly affected
his movement, facial expression, and
moods that soon he faded away and was
gone. Where, I never knew. He was there
in front of me every day, moving ever
deeper into confusion, dementia, and
fury. Utterly helpless, he thought that if
I would only find the right medication
for him, that would be the answer. He
lost everything of himself, as is common,
I am told, with degenerative disease.
I can still find my husband of 50 years
in the fragrance of the wheat fields of
Eastern Oregon waving in the gentle
breeze, awaiting harvest. In the memories
of sitting together on our little wooden
porch to listen to the wail of the wild geese
echoing through the dusk. In the memories of our three sons sitting down to
dinner with their father and me, laughing,
accusing, teasing each other, always vora-
ciously hungry for food and for life, testing limits and rules, growing up.
If all things really do work for the good
of those who love God and have been
called according to his purpose, then this
is what I can hold on to: memories of
that day in 1964 when we walked out of
that chapel into the bursting sunshine,
that long journey from the desert to the
rest of our lives, the times we laughed
and cried and struggled and came to
understand the truth of Jesus Christ.
Because in God’s providence, these
times in our lives led as surely to that
little room in Sedona at sunset as those
little baby boys led to upright Christian
men with loving families.
I can understand that it was the current that brought me to the hard bend,
through the deepest part of the river. For
God’s eternal purpose. And I am content
with that.
In the words of Ecclesiastes: “Consider
what God has done: Who can straighten
what he has made crooked? When times
are good, be happy; but when times are
bad, consider this: God has made the one
as well as the other” (7:13-14). n
Carolyn D. Gardner is a member
of the Orthodox Presbyterian
Church (OPC) and of Prescott
Presbyterian Church in Arizona.
thebanner.org | October 2016 | THE BANNER 41
ADS
Denominational and Classical
Deadlines: Nov. issue is 10/10/16; Dec. issue is 11/7/16. Details online.
Prices: Most ads are $0.33US per character (min. 150  characters including
punctuation and spaces). A discounted rate of $0.26US per character applies to
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To Advertise: Place your classified ad online at www.thebanner.org/classifieds or
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Congregational
Birthdays
Available for Call
Church’s 50th Anniversary
100th Birthday
Rev. martin mobach. Classis Alberta North heartily recommends
Rev. Martin Mobach for consideration for a call as Minister of the Word
and Sacraments. Rev. Mobach has faithfully served the Ottewell CRC
in Edmonton for many years. He can be reached at 780-340-2862 or
at [email protected].
Community CRC in Baldwinsville, NY is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Everyone who has participated in the life of the church is
welcome to join us for the celebration of worship at 10:00 am on Nov.
6, 2016 followed by dinner ($17/adult). Please RSVP to April at
[email protected] by Oct. 12, 2016.
Adriana (Tiemersma) Dekker Congratulations, Mom, and thanks
be to God, on 100 full and blessing-filled years in God’s good world
on October 24. In God’s Grace you’ve made many lives good, not just
for our dear, late dad, John, but for us children, Marilyn (Peter) Roeters,
Betsy (Henry) Kluck and James (Rose), your five grandchildren, eight
great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, friends and more.
Send greetings to Ada at c/o B. & H. Kluck, 21 Lake Ridge Club Dr., Burr
Ridge, IL 60527.
Eligible for Call
We are pleased to announce that ANDREW CARLSON has now
completed his academic requirements and is eligible for call as a
candidate for the ministry of the Word.
We are pleased to announce that JESSE PALS has now completed his
academic requirements and is eligible for call as a candidate for the
ministry of the Word.
We are pleased to announce that SHARON SMITH has now completed
her academic requirements and is eligible for call as a candidate for
the ministry of the Word.
We are pleased to announce that YOHANES BUDHI has now completed
his academic requirements and is eligible for call as a candidate for
the ministry of the Word. Dr. Steven Timmermans, Executive Director
DORDT
COLLEGE
Dordt College is seeking applications
for the following areas beginning
August 2017:
Faculty Positions
Art
Business Administration
Construction Management
Farm Operations & Management
Manufacturing Technology
Mathematics/Statistics
Engineering
Finance
Marketing
Philosophy
Physics
Theology
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Application reviews will begin immediately.
Qualified persons committed to a Reformed,
Biblical perspective and educational philosophy
are encouraged to follow the faculty application
procedure at the link below.
Dr. Eric Forseth, Provost
Dordt College
498 4th Ave NE
Sioux Center, IA 51250-1697
[email protected]
www.dordt.edu/prospective_employees/faculty/
Dordt College does not discriminate as to age, sex, national origin,
marital status or against those who are disabled.
42 THE BANNER | October 2016 | thebanner.org
Church’s 80th Anniversary
Terra Ceia CRC will celebrate “God’s Grace, Our Joy, and His Mercy”
at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 30, 2016. Worship service followed
by potluck lunch. Please join us at 3298 Terra Ceia Highway, Pantego
NC 27860.
General
PLANNING A TRIP to Southwest Florida this winter? Looking for
a church home for the winter season? You are invited to join us at
Bradenton Christian Reformed Church and to make us your “home
away from home” while in sunny Florida. We would love to have you
join us! If you would like assistance finding information about local
housing (rentals) we can provide some contacts for you! Please contact
[email protected] for more information. We would LOVE to hear
from you! We offer blended worship with Biblically based preaching
along with congregational activities. You are most welcome to join us
for worship, Bible studies, Coffee Break and more! We have an active
choir which is very involved in ministry – (you may join whenever you
arrive) and we offer multiple service times to accommodate your
schedule! Come praise the Lord with us!
90th Birthday
Jud Smeelink celebrated his 90th Birthday on August 5, with a
family picnic at Gun Lake. His wife Elaine, 4 children and spouses,
grandchildren, and great grandchildren thank God for His unfailing
love and faithfulness.
ADA (VANDER GIESSEN) VOS will be 90 on October 12. Wife of John
for 62 years (deceased 2009). Her kids who all live nearby (Jim &
Melanie Vos, Alvin & Sherry Vos, Gary & Patty Braaksma), 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, thank God for her physical preservation, pleasant wit and encouragement. Lynden Manor, 905 Aaron Dr.
#236, Lynden WA 98264.
Boyd Wittingen of Allendale, MI cele­
brated his 90th birthday on September 26,
2016. He has four children and their
spouses, 11 grandchildren, one dear granddaughter in heaven and 10 great grandchildren. We all praise God for the blessing
he is to our family.
Think you can change
the world from a lab?
We do.
CHANGE can be big, like climate change big. Or it can
be small, like monitoring local water quality small. It’s
about what you choose to do on the one hand, and who
you are on the other. We are more than our jobs, and
God has a calling for each of us, wherever we go.
That changes everything. Including you.
A degree you can believe in.
redeemer.ca
Anniversaries
65th Anniversary
Vander Stelt Gerrit & Tracy (Zylstra) will celebrate their 65th
Anniversery on Oct 24, 2016 at 337 E. Maberry Dr. Lyden, WA 98264.
Children: Gary & Kristine Vander Stelt, Kevin & jane Vander Stelt, karen
& David Bovee and Dale & Melisa Vander Stelt: 7 grandchildren & 7
great grandchildren.
HISKES George and Audrey (DeHorn) of Munster, IN celebrated their
60th anniversary on September 29. They, with their children George/
Elaine, Jayne/Andy Griffin, Mark/Carol, 9 grandchildren, and 11 greatgrandchildren, thank God for His love and faithfulness.
60th Anniversary
Neumann Fred and Celeen (Lemke) of Kenosha, Wisconsin, will
celebrate 60 years of marriage on October 13. The Neumann’s have
been blessed with 4 children, 18 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Fred and Celeen are members of Kenosha Christian Reformed
Church.
BANNING, Will & Helen (Koopman) 9 Banning Dr. Whitinsville MA 01588.
Celebrated their 60th Anniversary on September 4 with their 4 children,
12 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild. God has blessed our family.
TEKRONY Henry and Henrietta (Hoogwerf) 307 Davis Ave. E, Estelline,
SD 57234 celebrate their 60th anniversary Oct. 19. They and their
family thank God for His goodness through the years.
DOCTER, Bill and Tena (698 Gardenview, Byron Center, MI 49315) cele­
brate 60 years of marriage on October 5. Their four children and spouses,
13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren join them in thanking God
for a long and loving Christian marriage. We love you Mom and Dad!
VanderWoude Hugh and Eleanor, 2709 Mulford Dr. SE, Grand
Rapids, MI, 49546, celebrated their 60th anniversary on Sept. 7. Their
children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild join them in praising
God for his faithfulness.
DORNBUSH Gene/Hazel (DeVries) in Zeeland, MI, & their 5 children
Linda/Warren Disselkoen, Kathy/Harv Roosma, Karen/Doug Riemersma,
Jim/Nancy, Amy/Brent Sluiter, will celebrate their 60th anniversary
Oct 18. They enjoy 18 grandchildren + 9 spouses & 20 great grand
children. Praise God!
Vos Jack and Marlene (Kraai) of 175 Brush Hill Road #205 Elmhurst,
Il 60126, celebrated 60 years of marriage on September 7. Their
children Judy (Tom) Sytsma, Jack (Leanne) Vos, Jan (Larry) Persenaire,
12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren thank God for their love
and example.
SOLE PASTOR First CRC in Edmonton, Alberta Canada is seeking a
full time Pastor. We are seeking a relational and creative leader who
can walk with our congregation as we seek to follow Christ. The
pastor will be a collaborative leader who encourages and coaches
members to develop and express their faith. For more information
please contact [email protected]
PASTOR Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church, located in the heart
of the beautiful Blackstone Valley, is seeking a pastor to shepherd
our congregation in Whitinsville, MA. Fairlawn is a community of
believers committed to Reformed theology and worship who embrace
a traditional style of liturgy and music with organ, piano, brass, and/
or strings accompaniment. We are praying for a man of God who will
share our love for the gospel, as expressed in the historic Reformed
confessions, and will be an effective communicator of that gospel
to our multi-generational congregation, as well as to our larger
community. The successful candidate will have a thorough grounding in, and commitment to, the Reformed faith, as well as relevant
training and experience in preaching, teaching, leading worship,
fostering spiritual formation, providing pastoral care, administrative
oversight, and outreach to the community. M. Div.is a requirement.
Please send a resume, references, and inquiries to: Search Committee, Fairlawn CRC, 305 Goldthwaite Rd., Whitinsville, MA 01588, or
[email protected].
Church Secretary Lakeside Church in Alto, MI is searching for
a friendly and helpful administrative assistant. Professional experience and computer proficiency preferred. Position requires 20 hours
per week, 9AM-1PM, Mon-Fri. Pays $14.50/hour. For more information or to submit a resume, call 616-868-0391 or email pastordave@
lakesidecommunity.org
Youth Pastor Almond Valley CRC in Ripon, CA is seeking candidates
for a youth pastor position. We are searching for applicants with a
passion for mentoring relationships with our youth and engaging
students in spiritual growth using God’s Word. This position has a
primary focus on middle school and high school youth, and combined
with an additional role (worship leadership, preaching, community
Helping Congregations Turn the Page
MINISTRY
OPPORTUNITIES
Lead Pastor
Bethany Christian Reformed Church
Muskegon, MI
Senior Pastor
Christ Community Church
Plainfield, IL
Senior Pastor
Second Christian Reformed Church
Pella, Iowa
Church Position Announcements
PASTOR: Second CRC is seeking an excellent preacher who will
inspire, challenge, and guide us in transforming worship and lead
us in becoming more missional in our community of Grand Haven,
MI. For more information, please access our church profile at crcna.
org, visit our website at secondcrcgrandhaven.org, or contact Search
Committee Chairman, Jeff Binnendyk at [email protected]
or 616-844-4144
CHAPTERNEXT
outreach or education coordination) is a full-time position. For a
complete job description and contact info visit almondvalley.org.
“PASSIONATE DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST making passionate
disciples for Jesus Christ,” of the Hebron CRC of Whitby Ontario,
is seeking 2 Pastors. Hebron CRC is seeking a Full Time Pastor for
Preaching & Teaching, a Part Time Pastor for congregational care.
The two positions have overlapping duties. Send Resume or Pastor
Profile to Tom Zekveld - [email protected]
Pastor The Rudyard CRC in the upper peninsula of Michigan (God’s
Country) is in need of a full time pastor. We are a some what conservative Rural Congregation with active programs in place for kids,
youth and adults, with great leadership. We are looking for the
person God has selected for us to lead us in our Worship services and
any activities that time and ability allows.(Side note) Our area has
been selected to host the 2020 Cadet Camporee the Good Lord
Willing so we have lots of opportunity to Praise the Lord through
Prayer, Worship, Work and Deed. Please respond to Monica Hoolsema
at [email protected] and or Walter Bandstra at wbandstra@
yahoo.com 906-248-5388
Pastor Community CRC Dixon’s Corners, a rural church south of
Ottawa, is looking for a full time pastor. Please contact the Search
Team at [email protected] for more information.
Full-Time Lead Pastor Maranatha CRC in Cambridge, Ontario
is a friendly and caring congregation with a strong sense of community and commitment to each other. Cambridge is a growing
community situated in the heart of southern Ontario. We are seeking
a full time lead pastor who, following Christ’s leadership, will guide
us into the next chapter of our ministry. Our congregation is in the
process of discerning our identity and God’s will for our ministry. Our
pastor will help us carry out our vision, have leadership qualities and
the ability to preach God’s word in such a way that brings glory to
our Lord and builds up the church. Our pastor will help us reach
further into the community so that together we may proclaim and
live the gospel of our Lord Jesus. Please send your letter of interest
or profile in confidence to [email protected]
Third CRC in Denver seeks a highly motivated Pastor of Congregational Life who has a passion for the ministries of pastoral care.
This calling includes occasional preaching and other possible leadership ministries, depending upon the interests and skills of the candidate. Must enjoy a cooperative ministry with our lead pastor.
Ordination required, a full time position preferred but other possibilities will be considered. Female applicants welcomed. Please send
a letter of application to <<[email protected]>>
For more information on opportunities
from ChapterNext, the leader among pastor
search firms serving RCA & CRCNA
congregations, visit www.chapter-next.com
or email [email protected].
Deeper
Discipleship for
more people
ARE YOU
RESPONSIBLE
FOR DISCIPLESHIP
IN YOUR CHURCH?
Nov. 16 & 17
Square Campus of Madison Church
Grand Rapids, MI
www.ascendingleaders.org/discipleforward
In Partnership with Faith
Formation Ministries
thebanner.org | October 2016 | THE BANNER 43
50th Anniversary
Rev. Robert & Cheryl Ritsema Congratulations on 50 years
together. Thanks for your beautiful example of a Christian marriage.
Love, Rob, Laura, Staci and families.
Spyksma Bill & Ko of Cobble Hill, BC celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary on August 27. Their children, Kristie, Randy & Shari, Darren & Jaime and four grandchildren give thanks to God for His faithfulness and for their heart for ministry.
Obituaries
Brouwer Eva, age 88 passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2016.
Eva is survived by Lester, her husband of 69 years, six children: Jean
(Stan) Starkenburg, Wayne(Brenda) Brouwer, Shirley (Bill) Kuurstra,
Evelyn (Jeff) Brouwer-Thomson, Ardie (Nathan) Elgersma, Lyle (Beth)
Brouwer, and 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren. Address: 714
24th St. SE, Willmar, MN 56201
Marvin B. Cooper (85) of Bradenton, Florida (formerly of Brookfield, WI) went to be with his Savior on July 28, 2016. Marv was born
in Grand Rapids, MI. He served in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean
War. He worked his entire career in the office supply industry. He was
owner and President of the H. H. West Company in Milwaukee from
1972 to 1995. He then helped family in Bradenton FL start stores Batteries Plus Bulbs. Marv was an active member of the Bradenton
Christian Reformed Church and a supporter of Bradenton Christian
School. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years (Joan Hoekstra), son Roger and a brother, Tom. Survived by sisters Mildred, Esther
and brother, Jim and sister-in-law Doris Also survived by his children
Bob (Susan), Carol (Keith), Craig (Jane), Steve (DeAnn), Marybeth
(Matt). Marv and Joan were survived by 17 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren
A C E N T U RY
O F C AR I N G.
A WO R LD O F
DI FFE R E N C E .
Jane Keim
Fulton Manor Resident
Oostema Violet G. (Nelson) 96, of Hometown, IL went to be with
her Lord on June 26, 2016. She was preceeded in death by her husband
Peter, son Peter E, grandson Gary, and great-granddaughters Lisa
Marie O’Rourke and Heather Sienkiewicz. Survived by daughter
Cynthia (Robert) Burnett, 3 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and
2 great-great grandchildren. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.
PETERS Theresa, age 87, Sheldon, IA, gloriously arrived Home on
June 28, 2016. Beloved wife of the late Herbert Peters, her memories
are cherished by her children: Cori & Jerry Vreeman, Jacki & Tom Vreeman, Bart & Debra Peters, Mart & Deb Peters, 15 grandchildren, 14
great-grandchildren, sister, Melvina, and 3 sisters-in-law. Ps.118:14
The Lord is her song & salvation!
RIBBENS Douglas C. (Sioux Center, IA) died August 10, 2016 at the
age of 89. He is lovingly remembered by Henrietta, his wife of 28 years;
his children Wayne & Barbi Ribbens, Bruce & Carol Ribbens, Karl & Pat
Ribbens, Tim & Linda Ribbens, Cindy & Arlan Nederhoff, Rob & Holly
Ribbens; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; his brother Dennis (Harriet) Ribbens. He was predeceased by Ruth, his wife of 37 years;
an infant daughter; his parents; 2 sisters; a granddaughter-in-law.
Cornelius “Cornie” Toering age 85, of Pipestone, MN, died
Thursday, August 11, 2016 at the Pipestone County Hospice House. To
view a full obituary go to www.hartquistfuneral.com.
Van Tholen Margaret, nee Oostema, age 95, went to be with her
LORD on August 27th, 2016, 112 Penn Ct, Glenview, IL, 60026. Beloved
wife of the late Henry; loving mother of: the late John (the late Alice)
Van Tholen, Peter (Winifred) Van Tholen, Henry Jr. (Nancy) Van Tholen,
the late Ronald (Christine) Van Tholen, Robert (Jo Ann) Van Tholen,
Kenneth (Linda) Van Tholen, Grace (Robert) Dryden, Thomas (Valerie)
Van Tholen, William (Ginny) Van Tholen, Margaret (Ronald) Cramer,
James (Beth) Van Tholen, And George (Mary) Van Tholen; devoted
Grandmother of 40; great-grandmother of 70; great-great-grandmother
of 4; preceded by her brothers Theodore, Martin, Peter, Joseph, Bernard,
and John, and her sisters, Ida and Grace. Memorials to Providence Life
Services or Elim Christian Services are appreciated.
Wolfert Simon, age 81, Surrey, BC, went to be with his Lord and
Savior on August 6, 2016, following a lengthy illness. He was preceded
in death by their daughter Raquel, and is survived by his loving wife,
Jean and children: Robin Joy (Antonio), Mark (Mandy), Mark, son-inlaw (Shannon); Opa of 5 grandchildren. Simon and Jean served the
Lord faithfully in Brazil; Toronto (Scarborough); Vancouver, BC. Well
done, good and faithful servant.
Employment
Since 1892, we’ve helped countless mature adults flourish.
Providing the care needed as it is needed, whether at one of
our residential communities or in their own home. In each case,
delivering a broad range of care services designed to answer the
needs of every mature life stage.
From independent living to in-home care, you can rely on
Holland Home for comprehensive services and incomparable
resources today, as well as tomorrow.
For more information call 616.235.5113 or visit us
online at HollandHome.org.
Helpers of Holland home | HomeCare of Holland Home | Faith Hospice
44 THE BANNER | October 2016 | thebanner.org
Caregivers Needed Are you interested in working for the best
living assistance services company in West Michigan? Visiting Angels
is looking for people who can be excellent, not average; make a connection with our clients; be perfectly dependable; practice compassion
and work with integrity. Contact Heather at 616-243-7080 or heather@
vangels.com. www.vangels.com
Development Director Timothy Christian School, a K-8
CSI-accredited school in Wellsburg, IA is seeking a full-time Development Director. This new position will strive to cultivate and sustain
funding development and new family recruitment in support of the
school’s mission of “Training for Christian Service”. Motivated individuals who have a passion for Christian grade school education are
encouraged to contact Rev. Jonathan Spronk, TCS board secretary, for
a full job description at [email protected]
in home-care company, small, locally owned, non-medical,
looking to hire part-time, 8-10 hours a week to start. We are looking
for people who enjoy working with seniors, have reliable transportation, and a flexible schedule, including some weekends. Send
enquiries to: [email protected]
President Kuyper College (Grand Rapids, MI) is committed to equipping its 260 students academically, spiritually, socially, and morally—
helping them become Christ-centered leaders who live out their faith
by being the heart and hands of Jesus Christ to the world. In its next
President, Kuyper College seeks a visionary leader, someone who
understands Kuyper’s opportunities and challenges and is eager to lead
the institution into the next phase of its development. The Board of
Trustees is looking for an individual who is motivated and drawn to the
external aspects of the presidency and who will bring innovative thinking toward expansion of the college’s mission and influence. Without
question, the next Kuyper College President needs to be outgoing and
personally engaging with all Kuyper stakeholders and the community.
To view an introductory video about the search and download the full
Opportunity Profile, see www.jobfitmatters.com/kuyper.
Real Estate: Sales and Rentals
Mesa, AZ Winter Getaway FOR SALE: Fresh Grapefruit, No Snow
Shovel. Very Clean, Fully Furnished, 1 bedroom, 1 bath Park Model
home in the active and outdoor oriented Viewpoint community of
Mesa AZ. The property offers 27 holes of golf, 5 swimming pools, 10
tennis courts on site, and many hours of hiking in the nearby Tonto
National Forest. Other offered activities include softball, performance
and visual arts and crafts of all types, choir. $14,900. Just bring your
shorts, t-shirts and golf clubs. Steve 801-556-0280
Anna Maria Island, FL Condos pool, beach access, linens, fully
equipped. 1 and 2 bedrooms. $650-850/wk. D. Redeker, 941-704-7525.
redekercondos.com
For Rent Large ocean front condo on Hutchinson Island, FL. 2
bedroom, 2 full baths - avail. Feb. 12- Feb. 26, 2017. Call 616-281-4270
ft myers pool home for rent by the week or month, Oct – May.
905-630-6711.
For Rent - Condo Naples, Florida. Beautiful 2 bedrooms, 2 baths.
Available - Jan, Feb and select weeks in March 2017. dkeizer@comcast.
net or 708-650-0300.
S. FORT MYERS Rental 2BR/2BA one level condo, sleeps 6, pool, 15
minutes to beaches, cable/wifi. 484-988-0519 [email protected].
Bonita Springs FL condo for rent, 1BR, 1BA, 2 pools - beautiful
shell laden Gulf of Mexico beach directly across street, reasonable,
616-977-0039
Drenthe Farmhouse,
N e t h e r l a n d s Fo r m e r
­farmhouse (1836) in center of
Diever village. 5 bedrooms,
max. 10 adults + 2 children.
Next to stores, restaurants &
national park. Biking/hiking.
www.selfcateringinholland.com for information & availability
Products and Services
Absolutely Best Prices paid for religious books. Contact Credo
Books, 1540 Pinnacle East SW, Wyoming, MI 49509, ph. (616) 249-9291.
[email protected]
BOERS’ TRANSFER & STORAGE, INC Offering professional moving
services within the United States and Canada. EXCELLENT CLERGY DISCOUNTS and an approved mover for retired CRC clergy! 13325 Riley Street,
Holland, MI; 1-800-433-9799 or 616-399-2690 email: [email protected]; www.boerstransfer.com Agent for Mayflower Transit, LLC.
Caring for aging parents? Visiting Angels offers in-home
assisted living. Our caregivers will prepare meals, do light housekeeping, run errands, provide transportation to appointments, and joyful
companionship. Whether you need a few hours a day or live-in care,
for assisted independent living in your home anywhere in West
Michigan call Trish Borgdorff at 616-243-7080 or toll free at 888-2643580. TRIP Participant.
Lake Cadillac, MI Condo FOR RENT - 2 BR, 2 BA in Sunset Shores
Resort. Sleeps 5. Linens & towels provided. $500 weekly, or $100 a
night. Available January 13-20 & March 10-17. 616-446-3640.
LECTURE Please join us for a lecture at Crete PRC 1777 Richton Rd in
Crete, IL on October 28, 2016 at 7:30 PM. Professor Cammenga will
speak on the topic The Tipping Point: Common Grace, Worldliness and
the Growing Apostasy in the Church. This can also be live streamed
from our website at prccrete.org.
Exciting things
are happening in the
Christian Reformed
Church.
Get the latest.
Subscribe to CRC News for ministry
updates, volunteer opportunities,
upcoming events, and much more.
crcna.org/Subscribe
i can sell your house for $1000 or 1.5% Local Calvin grad
will sell your house for $1,000 or 1.5% commission. Full, complete
service but with savings! The system works! 100 closings in 2015 alone.
Ranked in the top 2% of all West Michigan agents. Call or email Doug
Takens: 616.262.4574 [email protected]
REMODELING? Call Ken DeVries today for an estimate on your
next project. 616-457-5880. Serving West Michigan since 1985.
www.homework-construction.com
Florida Poolside-Pompano Beach-1 Br. Condo for rent in quiet
area-Private beach access-$750.00 /week-616-245-9098
Tiki on the Bay Rental Cottage/Condo on Lemon Bay in Engelwood,
FL. 1 bed, 1 bath, pull out couch, W/D, Internet, Fishing pier, heated pool,
beautiful sunset views. Old Florida feel in a 13 unit resort. Call 219-8634705 for info. $2,900/mo, $725/wk in Season. $550/wk off season.
Miscellaneous
Every journey
begins at
the foot
of the cross.
Traverse City, MI Stone Pillar Farmhouse for week or weekend
rental. Sleeps 10, linens included. Close to town, Interlochen, outdoor
activities. Available year round. For details and booking visit vrbo.
com/862075.
Central Reformed Church, now 175 years
into its journey, is ideally located in the
heart of Heritage Hill, near downtown
Grand Rapids, Michigan. With its
strong group of core members, history of
innovative ministries, and commitment
to liturgically-centered worship, Central is
poised to extend God’s all-embracing love
with new energy and purpose.
Recognizing tremendous opportunities for
mission and mercy, we are searching for a
leader to become our tenth pastor: mindful
of our history, eager for the future, and
resolved to make a difference as we confess
together that Jesus is Lord of our lives.
Room Available In Hudsonville, MI area. Kitchen & TV room
privileges, first floor. Non smoker. $375/mo. 616-669-6364
Coastal NC – Spend all or part of the fall and/or winter on beautiful Core Sound by the Outer Banks – waterfront, 3 br, 2 bath, dock,
wifi, w/d, fireplace, amazing views. $1,900/mo. OR come to historic
Beaufort, NC this fall/winter and stay at one of our four pet-friendly
cottages beginning at $1,100/mo. Nightly & weekly rates also available.
252-241-7532 (call or text), [email protected]
If God chooses to stir up your interest in
this opportunity, we invite you to contact us
for additional information.
Travel
Holiday In Holland in our
self-contained cabin or suite. We
also offer vehicle rentals and
tours.www.chestnutlane.nl
[email protected]
Niagara falls CANADA Come stay with us at Trillium Bed &
Breakfast. We have 3 guest rooms with private bathroom facilities.
Call or text us at 905-354-3863
thebanner.org | October 2016 | THE BANNER 45
God Loves Me
storybooks
Explore. Connect. Experience.
Go with WittE!
For the past 16 years, God Loves Me
storybooks have been a well-loved and
much-used resource in church preschool
ministry. Newly revised in 2015, these
storybooks will provide families and
churches with a wonderful way to nurture
faith while establishing devotional habits
of Bible reading and prayer.
2017 Guided itineraries:
Panama Canal Cruise
February 25 – March 8 | Johannes Witte
in the Light of Jesus:
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
March 20 – april 1 | Pastor Bill and Lyn Vanden Bosch
Paul’s Missionary Journeys in Greece
March 30 – April 11 | Dr. Jeffrey Weima
Visit FaithAliveResources.org/
GodLovesMe to see samples and
learn more.
Netherlands Waterway Cruise
April 21 – 29 | Henk & Thressa Witte
Following in the Footsteps of Jesus:
israel & Jordan
More resources for preschoolers,
children, and youth are available at
FaithAliveResources.org
May 11 – 23 | Dr. Jeffrey Weima
the Danube: Queen of Europe’s Rivers
800-333-8300
[email protected]
June 26 – July 6 | Henk & Thressa Witte
Register today!
For a full list of tours please visit:
wittetours.com
800 Go WittE
Grand rapids, Michigan
Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Teach Us to Pray is a daily prayer book that guides families
in both listening to and speaking to God through songs,
scripture readings, guided action and quiet contemplation,
organized to follow the life of Jesus through each season of
the Christian calendar.
Teach Us to Pray reminds us that prayer involves both
discipline and delight. Copley and Vander Haagen have
poured their hard-earned wisdom as pastors and parents
into these pages, inviting us to pray as a way of re-narrating
our lives into the story of Scripture, as modeled in the
Christian calendar. They have found a way to do so with grace,
simplicity, attention to a wide range of human emotions, and
passages from every book of the Bible. My family and I will be
reaching for this cherished book every day for many years to
come.
—Peter Choi, City Church San Francisco
worship.calvin.edu
46 THE BANNER | October 2016 | thebanner.org
Teach Us to Pray
Scripture-Centered Family Worship through the Year
Lora A. Copley and Elizabeth Vander Haagen
HU M OR
Punch Lines
What has made you smile
lately? Got a joke or funny
incident you’d care to share
with your wider church family?
Please send it to The Banner at
1700 28th Street SE, Grand
Rapids, MI 49508-1407; or email
it to [email protected].
Thanks!
W
hile giving a lesson on
fractions, our school’s
math teacher wrote an example
on the chalkboard. He explained
that the numerator was the top
and the denominator was the
bottom. Leaning against the
board, he asked the class, “Are
there any questions?”
When he turned back to face
the board, laughter filled the
room. “Mr. Alexander,” one student
giggled, “you have chalk dust all
over your denominator!”
—Dawn Gebben
guide led them through the process of cheesemaking, explaining
that goats’ milk was used. She
pointed out a lovely hillside where
many goats were grazing.
“These,” she explained, “are the
older goats put out to pasture
when they no longer produce.”
She then asked, “What do you do
in America with your old goats?”
A sharp older gentleman
answered, “They send us on bus
tours!”
—David Hollander
M
y 8-year-old granddaughter came to me with a
unique question: “How does a
mermaid give birth?” She also had
a unique answer: “By sea-section!”
—Rudy W. Owehand
I
t was the Labor Day holiday
weekend. In church the children’s story leader talked about
what we celebrate on special
holidays. Christmas? Everyone
knew. Easter? Again, the right
answer was given. Labor Day? A
little confused, the children looked
at each other.
Then Amber piped up: “I know!
On Labor Day we celebrate the day
before the Queen had her baby!”
—W. Kamphuis
O
ur 4-year-old granddaughter, Paige, was flying her kite
when the string ran out. Thinking
she might be disappointed that
it couldn’t go higher, I made a
comment about it. Her response
was, “It is so high it is to Jesus!”
—Earl Holden
I
was babysitting my two granddaughters, Kortney, 3, and
Megan, 1½, at a relative’s swimming pool. When Megan fell and
hurt her knee, she didn’t want to
go in the water. I said, “The water
will be good for your owie.” Then
Kortney said, “That is psychology!”
G
olfers gathered at a prestigious country club for a
charity golf outing on a bright
sunny morning. A minister among
them was asked to open with
prayer. Overcome by the pristine
setting and the beauty of the day,
the preacher announced, “Please
open your eyes, observe nature’s
beauty, and join me in prayer.”
Several golfers, including the
preacher’s son, skeptically looked
at each other, wondering if the
cleric was joking.
After the prayer ended, everyone expected a super tee-off from
the minister. They were disappointed when he topped his golf
ball and it rolled only a few yards
down the fairway. His son grimaced. Quietly he said to a friend,
“Can you believe it? My dad prays
with his eyes open and tees off
with his eyes shut.”
—Frank Calsbeek
—Sandy Sall
A
theists don’t solve exponential equations because they
don’t believe in higher powers.
—R. Smit
I
t was the last day of vacation
Bible school and my mother
was discussing nex t year ’s
theme—Galactic Blast—with the
craft leader. My mother said, “Next
year we need to cut down on the
decorating. It’s just too much
work.” So I added, “We don’t need
to do any decorating; we can just
have space.”
—Elly Schreuders
A
group of Americans was
t rave l i n g by to u r b u s
through Switzerland. As they
stopped at a cheese farm, a young
“. . . And to my faithful dog, Chester, I bequeath all my shoes.”
thebanner.org | October 2016 | THE BANNER 47
Photo courtesy of Celebration Community Church, a Christian Reformed church plant in Holland, MI
EncouragE
anothEr
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good
deeds . . . let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the
day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
God is up to something in North America — and Home Missions is committed to
answering God’s call to join him. Together with you, we’re working to start and
strengthen churches and campus ministries that bring transformation and new life.
Will you prayerfully consider a gift to Home Missions this fall?
Please Pray. Please give. Please join us.
Start. Strengthen. Transform.
www.crhm.org